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Remove Edge associations

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 3 scripts
  • No subcategories
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category removes Microsoft Edge browser associations from your Windows system, enhancing privacy and system control.

These associations often remain after uninstalling Edge, potentially leading to unexpected behaviors and privacy concerns 1.

Removing these associations will:

  • Preventi Edge from automatically handling various file types and web protocols
  • Reduce potential data collection and tracking via Microsoft Edge
  • Eliminate leftover settings that may cause system instability after uninstalling Edge 1
  • Potentially improve system performance by removing unnecessary file and protocol handlers

This category is recommended if you've decided not to use Edge or have uninstalled it. This gives you full control over which applications handle your files and web protocols.

Caution

This will change how your system handles various file types and web protocols. Remember to set up an alternative browser.

Technical Details​

This category addresses associations found under specific registry keys:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Microsoft Edge\Capabilities\FileAssociations
  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Microsoft Edge\Capabilities\URLAssociations

The scripts remove associations for file types (like .htm, .html, .pdf, .svg), and protocols such as (http, https, and ftp).

This category does not clear associations under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet registry key. Because default installer already clears these keys.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users.

This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

Maximum — Strongest Possible Privacy (Military-Grade)​

Read more about Maximum and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Remove Edge associations" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove Edge associations" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Remove Edge associations
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 3 Privacy settings

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.

Remove Edge application selection associations

This script prevents Microsoft Edge from being listed as a default program for various file types and web links in Windows, giving you control over which programs open your files and enhancing your privacy. It improves privacy by preventing Edge from appearing as an option when selecting programs to open certain files or web links. This increases user control and reduces data collection and tracking via Microsoft Edge. If you've uninstalled Edge, this script stabilizes your system by removing le...

Remove Edge Open With associations

This script removes Microsoft Edge associations from the Open With context menu for various file types. It enhances privacy by reducing Microsoft Edge's integration with the operating system. This limits data collection opportunities during file interactions. It also enhances system stability by removing leftover Edge associations after uninstalling the browser. It may improve system performance by simplifying the Open With menu. Removing these associations gives you control over which a...

Remove Edge user associations

This script removes user-chosen Microsoft Edge associations for specific file types and web links. Even if a user does not explicitly choose Edge as the default browser, it is chosen by default. Edge associations often remain after uninstalling the browser. This can affect privacy and system performance. Removing these associations will: Enhance privacy by reducing Microsoft Edge's presence in your system • Improve system stability, especially if Edge is uninstalled • Boost performance by elimin...

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

This category automates the uninstallation of Microsoft Edge (also known as "Chromium Edge" or "New Edge"), the web browser that comes pre-installed with many vers...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Remove Edge 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Remove Edge through official installer
Remove Edge shortcuts

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process